Resident Evil 2 (Remake)
Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

New Game+ Considerations

Prepare for New Game+ in Resident Evil 2 Remake. Learn how to carry over your items and weapons to tackle harder difficulties and unlock new achievements.

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New Game+ Considerations

Welcome back to Raccoon City, survivor! Embarking on a New Game+ (NG+) run in Resident Evil 2 Remake offers a fresh perspective, allowing you to leverage your hard-earned knowledge and unlock new challenges or achievements. This section will guide you through optimizing your NG+ experience, whether you're aiming for a speedrun, a no-damage run, or simply want to explore every nook and cranny with less pressure.

What Carries Over?

Understanding what transfers to your NG+ save is crucial for planning. Here's a breakdown:

  • Unlocked Weapons: All weapons you've acquired in your previous playthrough will be available in the item box from the start. This includes powerful firearms like the Lightning Hawk and the Flamethrower (for Leon) or the Spark Shot (for Claire).
  • Weapon Upgrades: Any upgrades you've applied to your weapons (e.g., Extended Mag, Stock) will also carry over, making your starting arsenal incredibly potent.
  • Unlimited Ammo Weapons: If you've unlocked any unlimited ammo weapons (e.g., the Infinite Combat Knife or the Infinite LE 5), they will be immediately accessible in your item box.
  • Costumes: All unlocked costumes will be available from the start.
  • Records/Achievements: Your progress towards records and achievements remains.

What Does NOT Carry Over:

  • Key Items: All key items (e.g., Unicorn Medal, Red Book) reset, requiring you to find them again.
  • Consumables: Healing items, ammo, and gunpowder do not carry over. You'll start with the standard initial inventory.
  • Inventory Space: Your inventory will be at its default size, requiring you to find Hip Pouches again to expand it.

Strategic Approaches for NG+

Speedrunning (S-Rank Focus)

For players aiming for S-Rank on Hardcore or Standard, NG+ is your best friend. The powerful starting weapons significantly reduce combat time. Here's how to optimize:

  • Prioritize Key Items: With strong weapons, you can often bypass or quickly dispatch enemies that previously posed a threat. Focus on the most direct path to key items like the Maiden Medal and Lion Medal in the Main Hall.
  • Minimal Combat: Only engage enemies that are absolutely necessary to progress or pose an immediate threat to your health. Use your Infinite Combat Knife for quick staggers or to finish off downed zombies.
  • Efficient Item Box Usage: Plan your inventory carefully. Only take out weapons you'll immediately need for a section. For example, if playing as Leon, grab the Lightning Hawk and a few rounds for the G-Adults in the sewers, but don't carry it around the entire RPD.
  • Route Optimization: Refer to specific speedrun guides for optimal routes, as these often differ from a first playthrough. Knowing exactly where to go and what to pick up saves crucial minutes.
  • Save Management: Save strategically before difficult sections or boss fights. If you make a significant mistake, you can quickly reload without losing too much time.

No-Damage/Minimal Healing Runs

If you're looking for a true challenge, NG+ with powerful weapons can make a no-damage run more manageable, as you can eliminate threats faster.

  • Master Dodging: Even with strong weapons, avoiding damage is paramount. Practice dodging zombie grabs and licker attacks.
  • Situational Awareness: Always be aware of your surroundings. Use the mini-map to track enemy positions.
  • Exploit Weaknesses: Target enemy weak points (e.g., zombie heads, G-Adult eyes) for quick, decisive kills. The Lightning Hawk is excellent for one-shotting many standard enemies.
  • Defensive Items: While you're aiming for no damage, having defensive items like Combat Knives or Grenades in your inventory can be a lifesaver for breaking grabs.

Collectibles and Exploration

NG+ is perfect for finding any remaining Mr. Raccoons, Files, or solving puzzles you might have missed.

  • Relaxed Pace: Without the pressure of a first playthrough, you can take your time exploring every room.
  • Unlimited Ammo Benefits: If you have unlimited ammo weapons, you can clear out areas more thoroughly, making exploration safer and less stressful.
  • Consult Guides: Use a dedicated collectibles guide to pinpoint the exact locations of any missing items.

Character-Specific Considerations

Leon's NG+

  • Starting Arsenal: Leon benefits immensely from the Lightning Hawk and Shotgun with all upgrades. These make early encounters, especially with Lickers in the West Office or the Library, much easier.
  • Flamethrower Utility: The Flamethrower is excellent for controlling groups of zombies and dealing with G-Adults in the sewers.

Claire's NG+

  • Starting Arsenal: Claire's Spark Shot and Grenade Launcher (with both flame and acid rounds) make her NG+ runs incredibly powerful. The Spark Shot can stun and eliminate multiple enemies, while the Grenade Launcher is devastating against bosses and groups.
  • SMG Advantage: The JMB HP3 with its extended magazine is fantastic for general zombie clearing and conserving more powerful ammo.

By leveraging your previous progress and planning your approach, NG+ in Resident Evil 2 Remake can be a highly rewarding experience, whether you're chasing records or simply enjoying the masterful horror all over again.